Backstab

Burnett recalled the astonishing sight from earlier: this girl had actually managed to use Elven Swordsmanship.

He had spent his whole life learning it, and only after becoming a Formal Mage could he say he had mastered Elven Swordsmanship.

From what he had seen, Fran couldn't change direction through as wide an angle as he could. But she had only just started learning Elven Swordsmanship!

He could tell that Fran hadn't known Elven Swordsmanship before. Yet after a few practice swings, it was as if she'd suddenly had a breakthrough and mastered it.

"Can you tell me whether you have elven blood?"

That seemed to him like the most reasonable explanation. How could a human compare with an elf at elven swordsmanship?

Perhaps Fran had some elven blood, but none of the outward features. The key traits that helped elves learn their swordsmanship had remained, allowing her to master it so quickly.

"Uh... I'm not sure..."

Fran didn't even know who her parents were in this body. She had grown up in an orphanage and had no information about them.

But she also knew that when she'd practiced Elven Swordsmanship just now, she'd been no different from everyone else. She hadn't found any inspiration at all.

Her skill level had increased, and she'd suddenly learned it. Most likely, it had nothing to do with elven blood.

But if someone was giving you an easy way out, you might as well take it. Why insist on claiming you were a once-in-a-millennium genius?

"Have you ever felt as though you could sense something, but couldn't explain what it was?"

"I have. It suddenly happened just now."

"Then that's it. It's one of the elves' traits."

Then Burnett said:

"I know you turned me down before, but I'll ask again. Do you want to join the Sword Song School now? I can teach you Elven Swordsmanship."

Fran gave him the same answer as before.

"I'm sorry, Teacher Burnett. I want to see what the other schools are like before I decide."

Burnett was a little displeased, and said with some regret:

"What a shame. I thought I'd have another apprentice who could make the top ten this year."

"Thank you for the offer, but I've made up my mind. I'm sorry."

Fran had been tactful, and a smile gradually appeared on Burnett's face.

Burnett then helped Aboyue to his feet and said to the two of them:

"Now that you've settled things between you, I hope your conflict is over, just like this sparring match. Understand?"

Aboyue lowered his head, one hand still clutching his injured waist. His expression was awful.

He knew he'd lost, and that he'd also lost his chance to receive Burnett's personal instruction.

When the other person was stronger than him and had a better relationship with their teacher, what did he have to compete with?

He'd never dared refuse Teacher Burnett's instruction, yet Fran had turned him down outright, and Burnett hadn't shown any displeasure.

He'd lost, completely and utterly. If Fran joined the Sword Song School, she'd be the one Burnett focused on training, not him.

At this point, none of his schemes could possibly work. Fran and he weren't even starting from the same line anymore.

"Yes... I'm... sorry for... having a conflict with you."

His voice was strained with pain, and he stammered out the words.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hit you so hard."

Aboyue spoke haltingly, but Burnett accepted his apology, understanding that his injuries might make it hard for him to speak clearly.

Fran's expression remained blank, but she apologized as well.

"Good. I hope you two won't fight again..."

Burnett's tone gradually grew stern. Years of teaching had taught him how to handle this.

When apprentices fought, it was usually over some minor friction or disagreement.

A private fight could be chalked up to young people being hot-blooded and refusing to back down. At times like that, he had to step in and stop the conflict himself. It usually worked out well.

Then Burnett dismissed everyone, telling them to wait for the next lesson.

"Fran beat Teacher John, and now she's beaten Aboyue. I'd say the Sword Song School will have another top-ranked apprentice this year."

"But she still hasn't joined the Sword Song School, has she?"

"Are you stupid? All she has is her swordsmanship and a strong physique. Where else could she go? Could she even learn a few spells? The Sword Song School is her only option!"

"What if that's just how she is?"

"If it is, I'll run three laps around the dormitory upside down."

Once the matter had been settled, the apprentices headed out, discussing the fight as they went.

Aboyue sat in a chair, enduring the pain and waiting for it to ease before trying to walk again.

He knew his only remaining chance was to bet that Fran really wouldn't join the Sword Song School.

Even though he knew it was unlikely, he sincerely hoped she would join another school.

Only then would he have a chance to receive Burnett's guidance, get more resources, and achieve a better result in the evaluation.

"Hm?" He noticed something he didn't understand. Ren walked over to Burnett, who was still tidying up, and said a few words to him.

Then Burnett's expression changed. He began scolding Ren, but after Ren said a few more words, Burnett led him over.

Aboyue had a bad feeling. Sure enough, Burnett's first words made his heart sink.

"Aboyue... You've disappointed me. You won't be attending this class anymore. Leave!"

Aboyue stared at Ren in disbelief, then tried to protest.

"I didn't... Teacher, I didn't do anything!"

Burnett clearly didn't believe him. He said bluntly:

"Don't bother. I won't keep someone who frames his fellow apprentices. Ren has told me everything."

Aboyue gritted his teeth and walked out, fighting through the pain. He knew he'd lost his last chance, even if Fran didn't join the Sword Song School.

He knew that if Ren had told Burnett from the start, Teacher Burnett wouldn't have believed him no matter what. But now Aboyue had already clashed with Fran, and after she'd earned Burnett's favor, Burnett was more likely to believe Ren.

Ren watched Aboyue's retreating figure, a cold smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

He'd betrayed Aboyue because he suspected that, after his scheme failed, Aboyue might not give him what he wanted.

If he betrayed Aboyue, then with his biggest obstacle out of the way, he could admit to a small mistake and win Burnett's forgiveness.

He'd still have a chance to compete for Burnett's special attention. And Aboyue, his biggest obstacle, would never get another chance. He'd disappointed Burnett and made him despise him.

Aboyue looked back at Ren, who was smiling faintly. Ren's lips seemed to be saying:

"If you want to become a Formal Mage, you have to do this. Use every means at your disposal."